The PGA of America has a rich history in the game of golf. Since the organization was created in 1916, it has been one of golf’s strongest foundations.

The PGA of America is the world's largest working sports organization, comprised of 28,000 men and women golf Professionals who are the recognized experts in growing, teaching and managing the game of golf, while serving millions of people throughout its 41 PGA Sections nationwide. Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has enhanced its leadership position in a $62 billion-a-year industry, by growing the game of golf through its premier spectator events, world-class education and training programs, significant philanthropic outreach initiatives, and award-winning golf promotions. Today's PGA Professional is the public's link to the game, serving an essential role in the operation of golf facilities throughout the country.

Riley Tracey, AJGA Manager of Player Services, served as the tournament director for the National Qualifier held over Memorial Day weekend.

One of the PGA of America’s most esteemed programs is the PGA/PGM program (Professional Golf Management). The PGA/Professional Golf Management™ (PGM) program, a four-and-one-half year college curriculum for aspiring PGA Professionals, is a structured educational program accredited by The PGA of America.

PGA/PGM™ programs provide students the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the golf industry through extensive classroom studies, internship experience and player development. Since its inception in 1975, more than 2,300 students have graduated from a PGA/PGM™ program.

Students attending a PGA/PGM™ program can graduate with a baccalaureate degree in majors ranging from Marketing or Business Administration to Hospitality Administration or Recreation and Park Management.

In addition to classroom studies, each student is required to complete an approved internship of at least 16 months at a golf industry locale. Students also are required to complete all requirements of The PGA of America's Professional Golf Management (PGM) Program and pass a Playing Ability Test (PAT). These requirements satisfy The PGA of America's membership requirement.

The American Junior Golf Association is one of the many golf organizations that has benefited from the PGA/PGM program. Riley Tracy, who is currently completing the final level of the program through the University of Idaho, chose to do his final internship with the AJGA. After the completion of his travel internship with the AJGA Tracy was hired on full-time and is currently a manager of Player Services.

“Through the PGA/PGM program I was able to work toward becoming a PGA member while completing my college degree,” Tracy said. “The educational components of the program as well as the internship experiences were a great way to gain an introduction to the wide range of opportunities in the golf industry.”

The American Junior Golf Foundation is the primary recipient of all charitable giving to the AJGA and as such administers a variety of programs designed to compliment the AJGA and the members and families who make up our community. Learn more about these important programs and how your contributions to the Foundation secure the AJGA’s financial future for future generations to come.

The Achieving Competitive Excellence (ACE) Grant program provides financial assistance to junior golfers who wish to play in AJGA events. Its goal is to give top-flight golf opportunities to young golfers regardless of financial resources. This program helps to fulfill the AJGA’s mission of developing young men and women who aspire to earn college golf scholarships through competitive junior golf.

Leadership Links

What is Leadership Links?

Leadership Links is a new program whereby the AJGA is able to further its mission to help develop young men and women by teaching charitable giving skills and service-oriented practices at an early age. This program gives juniors all the tools necessary to donate their time, talent and resources to local charities and the AJGA youth development programs. Please click here to learn more about the program and the different opportunities available.

The American Junior Golf Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the overall growth and
development of young men and women who aspire to earn college golf scholarships through competitive junior golf.